Page 40 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
“Should we continue this at my house?” Ethan pointed to the bungalow next door.
Once inside, Ethan offered Harley and Sam a drink, which Harley gratefully accepted, but Sam declined. They sat in the living room, each lost in their thoughts as they nursed their drinks.
Finally, Sam ended the silence by updating them on what he’d told Carly and Daniella on the PIs and what they’d discussed.
“Could Daniella be right?” Ethan balked. “It would make sense.”
“I tend to agree,” Harley admitted, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call the station.” He put his drink on a coaster on the table before standing and leaving the room.
“That could be a disaster if the PIs got hold of information about house owners and various other permits,” Ethan said to Sam.
“People don’t seem to realize just how damaging the records held at the town hall can be,” Sam said. “Someone with a sinister plot could use them to cause all sorts of trouble.”
“I’ve got a buddy who lives one town over. I’m going to get him to check things out.” Harley took his seat. “He’ll be at the police station in fifteen minutes.”
“Good to know,” Sam said. “What did you dig up about the PIs?”
Harley leaned forward in his seat to pick up his drink. “I managed to find out the PIs were hired by Fledgling Productions.”
Ethan tensed. He knew that name well. Fledgling Productions was a music subsidiary of Blackwell Productions. He swallowed, and his heart sank as another distressing thought struck him. He pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Ethan?” Sam’s voice snapped Ethan from his thoughts.
“Fledgling Productions is a subsidiary of Blackwell Productions.” Ethan’s jaw clenched as he focused, not letting his mind run amok, and he still refused to believe what was slapping him in the face.
“Thank you,” Harley said to Ethan, who was surprised.
“For?” Ethan asked, confused.
“For confessing that,” Harley told him.
“You knew!” Ethan accused Harley, who nodded in confirmation.
“I had to make sure you were being honest with us,” Harley admitted. “We’re not only trying to protect Carly but also sticking our necks out for you trying to solve this.”
“I know, and I appreciate that,” Ethan assured him. “You have my word. I’ll tell you what you need that I know.” He ran a hand through his hair and took a big sip of his drink. The liquid burned slowly down his throat. “And in full disclosure, Alex is in charge of the company.”
“Which is worrying,” Harley stated, dropping the next bombshell. “Because the article and leak about your movie that got Carly firedfrom it three years ago originated from an executive from Fledgling Productions.”
It was time for Ethan to finally face facts—Alex was looking more and more guilty as the evidence stacked up against him.
“Don’t you boys think it’s suspicious that all our investigations seem to lead back to Alex?” Sam’s questions made Ethan and Harley turn to stare at him.
Sam’s phone bleeped before he said more. He read the message and pushed himself to his feet. “On that note, I’m going to have to say goodnight as Betty needs my help.”
Ethan walked Sam to the door.
“Think about what I’ve just told you and Harley,” Sam told Ethan. “Being in the movie business, you more than anyone should know nothing’s ever as it seems.” As he turned and waved, he added. “I’ll look into Fledgling and see what I can find out.”
“Thanks, Sam,” Ethan called after him.
When Sam pulled off, Ethan closed the door and returned to the living room, where Harley was finishing his drink.
Ethan sat back down across from Harley, feeling the weight of Sam’s revelation settle over him. Alex, his own brother, potentially being behind the sabotage and turmoil that had upended Ethan’s and Carly’s lives three years ago.
Harley stretched his legs out in front of him. “I owe you an apology, Ethan,” he began somberly. “I was too quick to judge you, especially when my uncle always told us that no matter what or who it is, you should always ensure you have both sides of the story.”
Ethan nodded slowly, appreciating the gesture. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
